VTECS Program: Skills Transition

The Roméo Dallaire Child Soldiers Initiative (Dallaire Initiative) at Dalhousie has expanded its work with Canadian Veterans through the creation of the Wounded Warriors Canada Veteran Trainers to Eradicate the use of Child Soldiers (VTECS) program. Beginning with the initial cohort in 2016, Wounded Warriors Canada has wholly funded this groundbreaking annual program.

Based out of the Dallaire Initiative’s institutional home, Dalhousie University, the Wounded Warriors Canada VTECS program will provide skills transition training for veterans. The VTECS program will provide access to an academic environment, credits/accreditation possibilities and potential employment /career opportunities that build on Canadian veterans’ skills, expertise and experience. The VTECS program is specifically designed to prepare Canadian veterans to become force multipliers of the Dallaire Initiative’s work, recognizing the valuable knowledge, experience and insight they possess.

Program Overview

Annual program open to all Canadian veterans through an adjudicated competition

Annual program fully sponsored by Wounded Warriors Canada to support approx. 15 veterans

Full scholarships for participants to cover tuition, travel, room and board during the program

Includes online study and one (1) month of on campus study and courses

Opportunity to support research in related fields of PTSD and issues related to the security sector and children in conflict

Successful graduates will be added to the Dallaire Initiative training roster and be employed to support training requests

Creates a critical link with Canadian veterans and Canada’s global commitment to promoting peace